CBSE pre-examination counselling to begin Feb 1

Pre-examination counselling for students and parents will begin from Feb 1, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said Friday.

"This is the 17th consecutive year when CBSE will provide psychological counselling services to students at the time of preparation, as well as during the examinations to overcome exam-related stress," said a statement from CBSE.

The counselling, which will continue till April 17, uses various modes of communication including telephonic counselling, online counselling and also question and answer columns in newspapers to address student queries.

"The tele-counselling is offered by trained counsellors and principals from within CBSE affiliated schools located within and outside India. This year 59 principals, trained counsellors from CBSE affiliated government and private schools and few psychologist will participate in the tele-counselling to address exam-related problems of the students," the statement said.

It added that 49 counselors are from India, while 10 are located various countries including Nepal, Japan and Kuwait.

The students just need to dial a toll free number, 1800118004 to access the helpline.

1The helpline will also address the queries of specially-abled children.

"Public can log on to the CBSE website (www.cbse.nic.in)and interact with the chairman. The professor and director (academic, research, training and innovation) and controller of examinations, CBSE can also be contacted for online counselling at directoracad.cbse@nic.in, and mcsharma2007@rediffmail.com," the statement said.

The CBSE's website will also have information related to the examinations, along with techniques to cope with exam-related anxiety.